The state government has raised objections to the project a number of times and awaits the apex court’s verdict on its petitions opposing it.

During his week-long stay here, the Chief Minister is also likely to lobby for the special category state status for Odisha and other issues that his party had promised in its poll manifesto, the sources added.

However, the official press release from the chief minister’s office here makes no specific mention of these two issues.

It says, the Odisha chief minister today reviewed important issues that need to be taken up with the Prime Minister and Union Ministers, at Odisha Bhawan, New Delhi.

Various issues relating to different ministries and departments in Government of India including Ministries of Finance, Home, Railways, Transport, Urban Development and Rural Development were covered during the review, the release from the CMO said.

“During the review, the chief minister highlighted significant issues concerning the state that need to be taken up with the Prime Minister on an urgent basis. He is likely to discuss the identified issues with the the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Home, Finance, Railways, Transport, Urban Development and Rural Development,” the release said.

“Chief Minister is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister along with all Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MPs belonging to Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to discuss crucial matters of the state. His meetings in Delhi are aimed at accelerating inclusive socio-economic development of the state,” the release further said.